Students, law enforcement and educators back bill to tighten safe‑storage and limit principals’ discretion; committee ties on referral

House File 3401, introduced by Representative Julie Green, would impose uniform secure‑storage requirements for firearms on school property and at Minnesota State High School League events, and would remove a principal’s discretionary authority to authorize individuals to carry firearms on campus.

Student co‑presenters described the bill’s two main elements: firearms on school property must be unloaded and secured in a locked container or trunk (or out of plain sight if no trunk exists), and the statute would remove a principal’s authority to permit an individual to carry on campus. Logan Bracken, a senior, told members, “Right now, Minnesota law is general and leaves too much room for interpretation when it comes to firearms in cars,” and urged clearer standards to prevent theft and unauthorized access.

Law‑enforcement witnesses and educators supported the uniform standard. Hennepin County Sheriff DeWanna Witt told the committee consistent expectations statewide “make compliance easier and enforcement more fair,” and said her agency saw 697 illegally possessed firearms in 2025 and that many were stolen. Legal witnesses from the University of Minnesota Law School said the bill’s restrictions on carrying in sensitive places are consistent with Supreme Court precedent (citing District of Columbia v. Heller) and that secure storage requirements in vehicles on school grounds are constitutionally permissible.

Committee members questioned the bill’s application to non‑public schools, how it would apply when State High School League events are held on private property, and the status of off‑duty or licensed peace officers and permit‑to‑carry holders. Nonpartisan staff and a legal adviser clarified that an active licensed peace officer remains an exception; permit‑to‑carry holders cannot carry into school buildings on the basis of their permit alone and must store firearms in vehicles if they leave their vehicles.

Chair Bennett offered a DE1 amendment to move discretionary authority to district superintendents (creating a single decision point for districts), but the committee rejected the amendment on a voice vote. Representative Green later moved to re‑refer the bill to Public Safety for technical work; the roll call was 7–7, the motion failed, and the committee laid the bill over.

No final statutory action was taken. Supporters said they will continue to work on clarifying Minnesota State High School League language and implementation details in consultation with public safety staff and local officials.